Before the Storm

Before the Storm, L. Daniel, 12 x 16

Available at the Anderson Fine Art Gallery 

in St. Simons Island, GA

We have had some great dramatic skies on the east coast this week (still in Georgia); but I'm happy to report that we had no tornados. On this particular morning, the clouds were rolling so swiftly over the marsh that they were hard to capture. The low ones in front were menacing, while the ones in back were fluffy and illuminated! I am not sure I completely got the effect here, but it was beautiful to see.

Hidden Beach Path

Hidden Beach Path, L. Daniel, 16 x 12

Available at the Anderson Fine Art Gallery 

in St. Simons Island, GA

A glimpse of the ocean through this over-growth of trees revealed an infrequently used path to the beach... I knew my plein air search was over for that day. AND, a wonderful breeze off the water kept me cool and bug-free! :) 

Lighthouse

Lighthouse, L. Daniel, 12 x 9

Available at the Anderson Fine Art Gallery 

in St. Simons Island, GA

In addition to being an important ocean beacon, this lighthouse is a famous landmark on St. Simons Island. It's the subject of Eugenia Price's locally beloved novel entitled "Lighthouse", which tells the story of the man who built it in post revolutionary Georgia. The station was finished in 1810 and is made of tabby (a mixture of lime, sand and oyster shells). I love to imagine those early days on the island; and this lighthouse saw it all.

Windy and Blue

Windy and Blue, L. Daniel, 12 x 12

This is another piece from my painting day in Brunswick, Georgia with the Plein Air Affair (painting event last weekend). This lovely old Victorian home caught my eye, particularly appealing with the heavy Spanish Moss draped like a veil in front of it. The day was very windy, and I found protection behind a big church across the street.


Happy Easter weekend, all!

View From Newcastle Street

View From Newcastle Street, L. Daniel, 9 x 12

Across the causeway from St. Simons Island is the town of Brunswick. It, too, sits on the marshes and inter coastal waterways of coastal Georgia and was a designated painting site in the Plein Air Affair event last weekend. Driving through the old downtown, I spotted this perfect composition and knew I had to paint it. You might say that it selected me! :) I love the delightful serendipity of plein air painting!

4th of May Cafe

4th of May Cafe, L. Daniel, 12 x 9, SOLD

This past weekend I participated in The Plein Air Affair, a 3 day plein air event that took place on St. Simons Island, Georgia where I am visiting (and painting) for the next few weeks. The event was a fundraiser for Glynn Art, the local art association. Eighteen of us painted, displayed our wet paintings, and painted some more. It was a wonderful group of artists to hang out with. This piece sold in the grand finale silent auction on Saturday night. Great cause, great fun!!


"4th of May" is a little cafe in the village of St. Simons Island. It's a favorite eating spot for locals and tourists alike... and a lovely sight on a sunny morning!

6 Inch Squared Exhibition - Randy Higbee Gallery!

Morning Breaks Study, L. Daniel, 6 x 6

Garden Quiet, L. Daniel, 6 x 6

These two paintings will be part of the "6 Inch Squared" exhibit at the Randy Higbee Gallery in Costa Mesa, California. The show opens Saturday, April 16, and features 500+ small paintings that are all 6" x 6". I would so love to be at the opening to see all the paintings. There are works in the show by many of my favorite painters - little jewels I am sure! If you are in CA, drop by the gallery and see the exhibit! 

"6 Inch Squared" 

Sale and Exhibition April 16 - May 6.

Gala Reception April 16, 5 - 9 pm.

Randy Higbee Gallery, 102 Kalmus, Costa Mesa

800-506-7624

Blinding Light (enlarged)

Blinding Light, L. Daniel, 18 x 18

This early morning sunrise transformed the water off the gulf coast of Texas where I was painting last fall. It was one of those moments that compelled an unplanned stop on the side of the road to take it all in. This piece is available in my current show at the Davis Gallery.


Click HERE to visit my web site and see the complete collection of work in the show.

Opening Night at the Gallery!

Ocean Beach (diptych), L. Daniel, 24 x 48

Last night we had a wonderful opening reception for our exhibit, "ON SITE: The Appeal of the Real". This three person show includes Julie Davis, Stephen Parker and me, and it is on display until May 7 at the Davis Gallery. We had a wonderful turn out, incredible support from collectors and friends AND we had fun! Thanks to all who came. 

Now off to the gallery talk and then I am headed to the beach... :)

Here are some pictures:

Stephen Parker, Me, Julie Davis

See a complete preview of my work in the show on my website: www.laureldaniel.com

Golden Fence Line

Golden Fence Line, L. Daniel, 24 x 36

The Texas Hill Country is so beautiful in the spring - the wildflowers emerge and it's like a wonderland. I love driving down the back roads and finding unexpected spots to paint and do it whenever I can. This year has been rather full with preparations for my show and our daughter's wedding, so this piece was actually painted from a study done last spring. I can't wait to get back outside painting again - next week!


Visit my website for a preview of my work in the Davis Gallery show.
Exhibit Opening Reception - this Saturday, April 9, 7-9 pm.
Reviewed by American Art Collector, April issue (p. 104).

Marsh's Edge (enlarged)

Marsh's Edge, L. Daniel, 24 x 24

This is another large piece that is in my current show. I guess it's pretty obvious that I love the marshes on the east coast - and I love to paint them. Next week, after my opening at the gallery, I will be heading back to Georgia for a few weeks of painting and relaxation. I will drive by this spot every day while I am there. :)


Please visit my website to preview all my work in the Davis Gallery show - opening reception Saturday, April 9.

On another note, I want to thank Andrea Erins for including me in her top 15 painting blog list! Read the article and see her other favorites: “Inspiration Meets Canvas: The Top 15 Oil Painting Blogs” (click title to view). What an honor - thank you Andrea!

Morning Breaks (enlarged)

Morning Breaks, L. Daniel, 18 x 36

You might remember this scene... in January I posted two small studies I painted in preparation for this larger piece. It always helps me to try different angles and compositions before starting a large canvas. In this particular case, I so enjoyed that process; and lingering for a few days with this deserted country road and silhouetted chapel. This is one of my favorite pieces in my show at the Davis Gallery that opens this weekend.


Please visit my website for a preview of all my paintings at the Davis Gallery.
Read my show review in the American Art Collector, April issue (p. 104).


Show info: (I wish you all could come!)

Honorable Mention @ Salon International 2011!!!

Hillside Wonder, L. Daniel, 18 x 18

Honorable Mention at Salon International 2011

I've just returned from the festivities of the annual Greenhouse Gallery Salon Show in San Antonio, where my painting won an honorable mention. WOO HOO!!! I am so honored and thrilled to receive this recognition!!! You will see my smiling face in the pictures below. It was a great time of seeing great art and meeting up with wonderful painters. Yes, I am still grinning! :)

Smiling with my ribbon! 

...with the competition judge Daniel Greene...

...with new and old artist friends at lunch - so much fun!

Left to right: Cynthia McBride, Jeannie Breeding, Jeanne MacKenzie, Michelle Borgwardt, Paula Holtzclaw, Christine Drewyer, Peggy Immel, Joan Breckwoldt, me